Following yesterday’s resignation, the question remains… what legacy does Starmer leave behind?
Whilst the PLP (Parliamentry Labour Party) were swift on passing legislation, particularly within the first few months of the Labour government, and passing bills through parliament, some may say they believed Keir Starmer was bringing through powerful legislation, opposition and other people will express their disappointment towards Sir Keir, and the legislation pushed through parliament by him as prime minister.
Andy Burnham, now MP for Makerfield, is widely expected to become the next prime minister, with nominations for a leadership contest opening on July 9th 2026. Andy Burnham was formerly mayor of Greater Manchester however, after contesting in the recent Makerfield by-election and ultimately winning that parliamentary seat, means he can no longer serve as mayor of Greater Manchester, a role of which he was highly liked and even went on to win a second term.
Keir Starmer leaves behind a legacy of unpopularity, widely regarded as the UK’s most “unpopular” prime minister.
One who promised change, but unfortunately hasn’t been able to deliver.
Some of Labour’s most proud policy changes and introductions include;
1. NHS Waiting List Reduction
Probably the strongest argument made by Starmer supporters. Waiting lists fell during his premiership, and NHS performance indicators improved compared with the situation he inherited. Even critics generally accept this as a genuine achievement.
2. Employment Rights Reforms
The Employment Rights Bill—strengthening workers’ rights, restricting exploitative zero-hours practices, and improving protections—was one of Labour’s flagship domestic reforms and remained popular with trade unions and much of Labour’s base.
3. Great British Energy and Green Investment
Although scaled back from Labour’s original ambitions, the creation of Great British Energy and progress towards clean power became a central part of Starmer’s legacy. Polling consistently showed broad support for climate action even when Labour became nervous about pushing the agenda.
4. Rail Renationalisation
Bringing rail operators back into public ownership was popular long before Labour entered government and remained one of the easier policies for Starmer to defend politically. Majority public support for rail nationalisation pre-dated his election and continued during implementation.
5. Child Poverty Measures
Later in his premiership, Starmer moved towards scrapping the two-child benefit cap and expanded childcare and breakfast-club programmes. Supporters cite these as some of his most socially significant reforms.
However, Labour does too have many policies that have been unpopular amongst politicans and the public alike, some of which include;
1. Winter Fuel Payment Cuts
This was arguably the defining political mistake of his premiership. Means-testing winter fuel payments became a symbol of a government seen as targeting pensioners while promising change. The backlash lasted for months and eventually forced a partial retreat.
2. Farmers’ Inheritance Tax Changes
The so-called “family farm tax” provoked huge protests from farmers and became one of the most politically damaging Budget measures. Polling repeatedly found it among Labour’s least popular decisions.
3. Welfare and Disability Benefit Reforms
Attempts to tighten disability benefit eligibility generated opposition from Labour MPs, activists and some traditional Labour voters. The issue became a major source of internal party rebellion.
4. Employer National Insurance Increase
Businesses strongly criticised Labour’s decision to increase employer National Insurance contributions, arguing it raised hiring costs and weakened growth. It became a frequent attack line from business groups and opposition parties.
5. Policy U-turns
Even where voters agreed with the eventual outcome, Starmer was often criticised for appearing indecisive. Reversals on winter fuel payments and welfare policies led opponents to portray him as lacking a clear political direction.